ICYMI is a series featuring new and notable releases you (and we) may have missed
Art by Enne Goldstein, you can find more of their work here
Tempesst – “Walk on Water”
Tempesst’s “Walk on Water” is a dreamy psych, surrealist track — giving a definite nod to the 60s and 70s without being too on the nose about it and all in good fun. I appreciate a band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously, but makes seriously good music and Tempesst are exactly that.
Wombo – ‘Situations/Ida Mae’
The great thing about music is that it can be anxious so you don’t have to be. Wombo have directed their anxieties into “Situations” with on-edge vocals and a propelling syncopated rhythm that’s cut by swirling bridges. On “Ida Mae” there’s almost a poetry slam kinda vibe going on with the bass and cowbell intro and jazzy synths. The tracks are in sharp contrast to one another, but balance each other out — one more severe and bright, one more mellow and dark. They also loop together in an interesting way and at 1:59 a piece, you can afford to put them on repeat.
DANCEHALL – Strange Ways
This is an interesting combo. It has the typical post-punk I’m saying things in a monotone voice with a specific rhythm thing going on, but has a more melodic, sort of grunge-esque chorus which is a refreshing twist on what otherwise could be an overplayed move. If you’re into Nirvana and Parquet Courts this might be the love child you were looking for.
Sedona – Rearview Angel
If you were to look up “aesthetic” in the dictionary, you would probably find a photo of Sedona. And while, as the kids say, “the vibes are immaculate”, Sedona’s music doesn’t hide behind that or use it as a crutch — it lives up to what that *vibe* promises. Rearview Angel is a very elegant, sophisticated, but still fun take on pop. It flips what we think of the genre on its head and says, “Oh yeah? I’m gonna ELEVATE that.” Queen shit, I tell you. “Crying On My Own” is like if Madonna made indie-pop. “Best In Show” is a dreamy, slinky daydream. “Far Away” is just that — letting you drift off to another planet. “Leaving The Chapel” lets Rachel Stewart’s timeless, Stevie Nicks-like vocals shine. Genuinely one of the best, most unique, and interesting pop releases I’ve heard in a minute. More Sedona 2021, please.